Rebekah Lyn

Mary Harwell Sayler Interviews

Old Things R New October Interview by DiVoran Lites

I met Mary Harwell Sayler at a writer’s conference where she was the teacher and I was the student. Mary didn’t have a watch and couldn’t tell when it was time to end the lesson. She is an excellent writer and teacher and we all wanted to hear as much as we could, so we didn’t care If she didn’t end on time.

Mary was staying at the conference center of the church I attended, but it wasn’t easy for her to get away, so the next day I took an inexpensive watch and gave it to her. She received it graciously and from there we became not only student and teacher, but the best of friends.

I took her poetry writing course and she helped with my first novel. I drove to her hometown once a month and we learned about each other’s families. Mary was endlessly creative and constantly encouraging of my efforts to learn how to write poetry. She has never stopped being a role-model for me and a supporter. Check out her links, get to know her. You will be glad Mary Harwell Sayler has come into your life.

Mary, your newest book is Christian Writer’s Guide. Can you tell us how this book is different from other writer’s guides that are available?

Books — Click to view on Amazon
5 Star Reviews

Definitely! The most noticeable difference occurs in the opening pages of the e-book, which begins with prayer, discusses the importance of a biblical foundation for writing in any genre or readership, then helps Christian writers discern a gift or calling in the writing ministry. Also, such sections as “Listen for The Voice in your voice” address God’s leading. Since I wanted to offer as much practical information as possible and keep the price low, the last part of the e-book includes an extensive Glossary to help writers learn the unique terminology and techniques associated with writing.

To read more click here

Getting High

I remember those words from another generation. Are they still apropos? By the way I hate that word it sounds as if someone has the flu.

Anyhow, let me tell you about the high that happened to me minutes ago.

On my way home from my walk I came off the trail and entered the neighborhood. A good neighbor was having a garage sale. Those things attract me as flowers attract butterflies, so I fluttered across the street to have a look and a chat with the sale-er. This neighbor is especially precious because she, her husband, and their two blond-haired boys have lived in the house since the boys were toddlers, and because her husband and another neighbor helped get a downed tree off our house after Hurricane Charley. The boys are thirteen now, and very smart. I could see why as I looked through the childhood books for sale, and their mom told me how she had read to them even before they were born. She read a children’s Bible, mostly.

I selected a few children’s books for my Sunday School class, but didn’t have any money with me, so I walked home to get some. When I was almost here I thought about taking two of my books, Sacred Spring, and Living Spring to her and her helper. The ulterior motive didn’t surface until later, I’m always happy for people to read my books and that was enough for me at that time.

When I gave them the books they were truly thrilled. I guess it was the subject and the covers. The helper said, “My husband will read this book too, he reads everything he can get his hands on about Florida. He won’t use a motor on a boat. He has a kayak, and a canoe.”

“Several men have liked those books.” I told her. and it’s true. Then I asked if the women would consider writing reviews for Amazon about the books if they liked them and they both eagerly agreed that they would.

“And I’ll tell people about it,” the neighbor said. I work for the County.

“I’ll tell people too,” said the helper. “I work for the School Board.”

“You can be my little fan club.”

They both nodded happily. I felt so warm, fussy, loved, and accepted that I couldn’t wait to get home and tell you about it.

Some highs are good for us. What makes you high? Or perhaps it would sound better if I were to say, “What puts you in high spirits?”

Happy Writing,

DiVoran

Thankful

I am so grateful to our Lord for all the blessings and mercies He has poured out upon us all.

What are you feeling thankful for today?

Eavesdropping Again

One of my birthday presents was an eavesdropping event on my way home from a walk. I had left the woods and heard voices amplified by the emptiness of a garage. One was a man’s voice and the other a woman’s. Their voices were like the day: sunny and warm, mellow and perfect. They spoke in Spanish, so I couldn’t understand the words, yet somehow I felt I was at a performance of the highest order. The woman’s language rang with rhythm, the man’s with resonance. Then he talked, then he sang,,, quietly, but like a mariachi. Then woman spoke. Then it was his turn: he whistled a song like “Amapola.” I wanted to hear them again. I walked to the end of the block, crossed the street, and went past the house on their side. I never saw the couple, and I hoped they wouldn’t see me. When a neighbor got in her car and drove past, I was standing and musing over a contrail in the blue sky. I did take time to wave at her. After I listened for a while, I walked slowly past the garage opening, trying to look as simple as possible so they wouldn’t suspect me of snooping.

I passed the young woman in the yard next door. She was talking on the phone. She must have been speaking to a teen-ager because I heard her say, “…honors band…” Her voice, which was a counter point to the garage man and woman, reminded me of a poem by T. S. Eliot about a group of people talking in a train station. If I remember rightly, it was during wartime. The voices spoke one after the other as into a rapidly moving microphone.

I turned and walked back once more. That was when I heard a gust of the whistling song as if the man couldn’t contain his joy another minute. I couldn’t justify another pas-by, so I hurried home to write this post for you.

What does all that have to do with writing? You tell me. I love to hear what you have to say.